Ipswich Town’s international stars remain in action across the globe, with Dara O’Shea set to captain the Republic of Ireland again, while Sasa Lukic and Henry Grey continue their campaigns during the latest international break.
Marcelino Nunez has been released from Chile duty for personal reasons, and Abdul Fatawu’s international window has also ended after Ghana’s scheduled friendly was cancelled. It has been another busy few days for Town’s international contingent, with several players either preparing for key fixtures or beginning their journeys back to Suffolk.
O’Shea and Ogbene Prepare for Austria
Dara O’Shea will lead the Republic of Ireland tonight as they host Austria in the Nations League at the Aviva Stadium. Blues skipper is set to earn his 48th senior international cap and will be hoping to help Ireland build on the momentum created by their 3-0 victory over Israel at the weekend. That fixture was surrounded by controversy before kick-off, but Ireland ultimately emerged comfortable winners in Hungary.
O’Shea remains in search of his first international goal, though his importance to the side continues to grow, particularly with regular captain Nathan Collins unavailable. On-loan Blues winger Chiedozie Ogbene is also part of the squad and could collect his 37th cap if selected. The Lincoln City loanee has scored five goals for Ireland and will be looking to add to that tally if handed an opportunity against Austria.
Ireland’s return fixture against Israel is scheduled to take place behind closed doors in Serbia this Sunday, with manager Heimir Hallgrimsson confirming the match will go ahead despite continued protests surrounding the fixture.
Lukic Faces Tough Germany Test
While Ireland look to continue their positive start, Sasa Lukic and Serbia face a significant challenge of their own. The Town midfielder is expected to feature as Serbia travel to Germany looking for their first Nations League points of the campaign. It has been a difficult start for the Serbians, who have suffered defeats in their opening matches and now face one of Europe’s strongest sides away from home.
Lukic remains an important figure within the national team setup and heads into the match with 65 senior caps and two international goals to his name. The midfielder will be hoping to help Serbia turn their campaign around and claim a positive result against difficult opposition.
Gray Reaches Kirin Cup Final
Goalkeeper Henry Gray continues to enjoy a memorable international break with New Zealand. The Town stopper, who is currently on loan at Wellington Phoenix, earned his first senior international cap as a substitute earlier in the break and remained part of the squad for their Kirin Cup semi-final against Panama.
Although Gray was an unused substitute, he watched on as the All Whites drew 1-1 before securing a 5-3 victory in the penalty shootout. The result booked New Zealand’s place in the tournament final, where they will take on the winners of Japan’s meeting with Ecuador.
For Gray, it is another valuable experience as he continues to establish himself within the senior international setup.
Nunez and Fatawu Both Heading Back to Suffolk
Both Marcelino Nunez and Abdul Fatawu are both on their way back to Suffolk as their international breaks is over. Nunez is not involved in Chile’s final fixture of the international break after being released from the squad, as the Chilean Football Association confirmed the midfielder had departed the camp for personal reasons. And with Abdul Fatawu, as his Ghana team is in dispute with the Ghana Football Association and with their manager leaving the post by mutual consent.
Busy Schedule Continues
With Town players spread across Europe, Africa, North America and Oceania, it has been another eventful international window for the Blues.
The immediate focus will be on O’Shea and Ireland’s meeting with Austria, while Lukic faces a difficult test against Germany and Gray looks ahead to a Kirin Cup final. Meanwhile, Nunez and Fatawu are among those preparing to return to Suffolk as attention gradually turns back towards Premier League action.
ITFC IMAGE - 24/08/26
ITFC IMAGE - 24/08/26
ITFC IMAGE - 24/08/26
Vital Ipswich…